Apparatus for processing photographic material

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for processing photographic emulsion coated material, in particular color films and color prints, of the kind comprising a tank containing mechanically rotated drums for holding the material and a plurality of metering containers for supplying processing liquids to the drums has its tank mounted in a swinging frame provided with a driving mechanism which enables the frame to be swung to tip the tank and empty the drums. Each of the drums has a filling funnel to which a number of flexible supply tubes lead, one from each of the metering containers so that the processing liquids can be supplied from the containers to the drums one after another automatically without disconnecting the supply tubes which flex when the tank is tipped.

United States Patent Herbert Reinhold Langkopf Fuerstenwall 234,Dusseldorf, Germany [21] Appl. No. 845,721

[22] Filed July 29, 1969 [45] Patented Jan. 11, 1972 [32] Priority Aug.31, 1968 [33] Germany [72] lnventor [5 4] APPARATUS FOR PROCESSINGPHOTOGRAPHIC Primary Examiner-Samuel S. Matthews AssistantExaminerRussell E. Adams, Jr.

Attorneys-Curt M. Avery, Arthur E. Wilfond, Herbert L.

Lerner and Daniel J. Tick ABSTRACT: Apparatus for processingphotographic emulsion coated material, in particular color films andcolor prints, of the kind comprising a tank containing mechanicallyrotated drums for holding the material and a plurality of meteringcontainers for supplying processing liquids to the drums has its tankmounted in a swinging frame provided with a driving mechanism whichenables the frame to be swung to tip the tank and empty the drums. Eachof the drums has a filling funnel to which a number of flexible supplytubes lead, one from each of the metering containers so that theprocessing liquids can be supplied from the containers to the drums oneafter another automatically without disconnecting the supply tubes whichflex when the tank is tipped.

PATENTEB JAN} 1 E172 SHEET 1 BF 4 FIG.

PATENTEU AN 1 72 SHEET 2 OF 4 FIG. 2

PATENIEU JAN? 2 m2 SHEET 4 0F 4 FIG. 5

FIG. 4

APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING PHOTOGRAPHIC MATERIAL This invention relates toan apparatus for processing photographic emulsion coated material,particularly color films and color prints, the apparatus comprising atippable tank containing mechanically driven drums for accommodating thematerial.

It is known to develop such photographic material in a tank containingdrums into which the different processing solutions are introduced. Atthe end of a processing period the solution is pumped away, and rinsingwater, or a further processing solution, is introduced into the tank.For example German Pat. No. 1,1 12,405 describes a developing apparatusfor sheets or strips of photographic emulsion coated material,consisting of a tank containing several rollers which are rotated abouthorizontal axes and support drums with closable filler openings, thedrums being arranged to contain the photographic material. Each drum hasa closable end and, after introducing the solution, is rotated in such away that the photographic material is gradually immersed in the solutionin the lower part of the drum.

In a further development of this apparatus each drum has an annularcollar fitted into its end. The outlet of a filling funnel projects intoone of these collar openings, and through the filling funnel the severalsolutions used for processing the photographic material are introducedinto the drum one after the other. At the end of each processing periodthe solution is removed through the other collar opening by tipping thetank, the solution escaping through an outlet pipe.

However although this known developing apparatus has proved satisfactoryin practice, its operation requires a series of manipulations by theoperator, with the result that he cannot operate more than one tank, orat any rate a few tanks, at a time. Valves on the solution tank and on arinsing water pipe have to be opened and closed by hand, and at the endof each processing period the solution has to be removed by tipping thetank over. In the development of color material up to six differentsolutions are used, one after the other, with the result that theoperator is constantly occupied. Responding to the signal given by histimer he first has to open an inlet valve to admit solution, and thenclose the valve when sufficient solution has been introduced into thedrum. Then he has to start the rotation of the drum, and finally at theend of the processing time he has to tip the tank over to remove thesolution.

The object of the present invention is to provide a developing apparatusthe operation of which involves no manipulation by the operator, apartfrom introducing the photographic material into the drum, andsubsequently removing it.

To this end, according to this invention, in apparatus for processingphotographic emulsion coated material, comprising a tank containingmechanically rotated drums for holding the material, the tank is mountedin a swinging frame actuated by means of a mechanical drive for tippingthe tank to empty the drums and filling openings for the drums are eachconnected through flexible supply tubes to a number of meteringcontainers for holding processing solutions.

The metering containers are preferably situated above the tank, toensure that the solutions drain out completely from the containers undergravity. The swinging frame preferably has its pivot axis situated abovethe horizontal center plane of the tank, so that when the tank is in itsuntipped position it does not require any additional supporting, thetank being in stable equilibrium.

Preferably the swinging frame is connected to a hydraulic ram whichforms the mechanical drive and the frame rests against a buffer when thetank is in its untipped position.

Each metering container may be made of transparent material tofacilitate rapid observation of the liquid level. The liquid level ineach metering container is limited by an overflow pipe. To keep theflexible tubes leading to the filling openings as clean as possible, andto prevent contamination of the solution in the developing drum by theintroduction of a different solution from another metering container,the bottom of each metering container is preferably extended downwardsto form a sump which is arranged to be closed at the top by a plugsurrounded by a sealing ring, the supply tubes being connected to thesump at a point above its bottom. Thus any liquid which leaks out of themetering container past the plug collects in the bottom of the sump andcannot enter the flexible tubes. After the solution has been supplied tothe drums through the flexible tubes, it drains out of the tubesentirely, leaving no residue in the tubes, because the flexible tubesare everywhere either vertical or inclined. The sump can be equippedwith a drain pipe for removing any solution which may leak into it fromthe metering container.

Each plug may be attached to the lower end of a pullrod the upper end ofwhich is connected to a lifting magnet mounted above a cover of thecontainer. This arrangement ensures that the lifting magnet cannot comeinto contact with the corrosive solution in the metering container.

Each pivot bearing of the swinging frame is preferably situated at thejunction of two inclined frame members. This arrangement gives aparticularly simple and yet stable construction. To facilitate cleaningof the metering containers, the flexible tubes and if necessary also thedeveloping drums, the metering containers are all preferably connectedto a common rinsing water supply pipe. This pipe may be connected to areservoir tank provided with a pump and a heating element the deliverypipe from the pump forming a loop of inverted U- shape, the upper bendof the inverted U being situated above the maximum water level in thetank and having a venting connection. The venting connection preventssiphon action, so that as soon as the pump is stopped the water ceasesto flow from the reservoir tank.

Several tanks may be mounted on a common swinging frame, provided thatthe processing times are the same for all these tanks.

To make the entire apparatus fully automatic in operation, the liftingmagnets, the drive for the drums, the rinsing water pump and thehydraulic or pnuematic rams may all be controlled by a commoncontroller. This starts and stops the individual operations according toa preset program. The operator therefore needs merely to introduce thephotographic material into the drum then mount the drum in the tank andstart the controller. During the processing no manipulations by theoperator are necessary. Under these circumstances a single operator caneasily attend to a large number of tanks.

An example of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the inventionis illustrated diagrammatically in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation;

' FIG. 2 is a front elevation showing the metering containers;

FIG. 3 is a section to a larger scale through a metering container;

FIG. 4 is a detail showing a drum inlet; and,

FIG. 5 is a vertical section through a reservoir tank.

The apparatus comprises a frame 4 in which a developing tank 5 ismounted, the tank bottom resting on a swinging frame 6, which issupported by inclined members 7 and 8. A pivot bearing 9 for theswinging movement of the developing tank is situated at the junctionbetween the members 7 and 8. The pivot bearing 9 is considerably abovethe imaginary horizontal center plane C of the developing tank 5, sothat the tank is in stable equilibrium in its position of rest. Thefront end of the swinging frame 6 is connected to a piston rod 10,.of ahydraulic or pneumatic ram 11 which is itself pivotally connected to themain frame 4. The ram serves to tip the developing tank from itsposition of rest into an inclined position, for draining away thesolution from the tank. In the return movement the tank 5 is brought toa stop by a buffer 12 mounted on the main frame 4.

The tank 5 is equipped with inlet funnels 13 which receive solutionsthrough flexible feed tubes 14 and 15 from metering containers 16mounted above the developing tank. There is one metering container 16for each of the processing solutions. A flexible feed tube l4, 15connects each metering container to each one of a number of rotatabledeveloping drums 2 in the tank 5. Mechanical means 3 in the form of amotor or belt transmission drive the drums. As shown in H0. 2, there aretwo tubes 14 and 15 connecting each metering container to two developingdrums.

As shown in H6. 3, each metering container 16 includes a measuringcylinder made of transparent material containing an overflow pipe 17,which determines the depth of liquid in the container. Solution is fedto the container from a reservoir through an inlet pipe 18. The bottomof each measuring cylinder extends downwards to form a sump 19, which issealed at the top by a conical plug 22 surrounded by a sealing ring 21.Each flexible feed tube 14 or 15 is connected at the top to the sump 23at a location between the lower surface of the plug 22 and the bottom ofthe sump. The inlet of each feed tube 14 or 15 is therefore at adistance above the bottom of the sump 19. Any small leakage of solutiondownwards from the measuring cylinder collects in the bottom of the sumpand cannot flow into the feed tubes 14 and 15. This leakage liquid canbe removed from the sump 23 by draining it out through a drain pipe 24.The sump 23 is large enough to receive the solution lost from themeasuring cylinder by leakage, this being a comparatively small amountof solution.

The conical plug 22 is connected to a vertical pull rod 25, the upperend of which is attached to an armature 26 of a lifting magnet 27 whichis supported on a bridge 29 mounted on a cover 28 of the container 16.This arrangement ensures that the lifting magnet 27 is kept safely awayfrom the corrosive solutions contained in the metering container 16. Allthe metering containers 16 are connected to a common water pipe 30.Water is supplied to each inlet funnel 13 through a water pipe 31 by apump 32 connected to a rinsing water reservoir tank 33 shown in FIG. 5.The pipe 31 describes a loop in the form of an inverted U 34, the upperbend of which is above the liquid level in the reservoir tank, and has aventing connection 35.

The purpose of the reservoir tank is to provide a supply of water at aconstant temperature. Water drawn directly from a circulation heaterfluctuates in temperature, involving a risk of separating the emulsionlayer from the photographic material.

Each metering container is connected by its inlet pipe 18 to a reservoirtank (not shown) containing a supply of processing solution. Themetering container can be filled by a manual operation, or by means ofan automatic device.

Once the operator has inserted the photograph material in the drums, heneed perform no further manual operations concerned with the drumsthemselves. He therefore has plenty of time to open the valves foradmitting solutions to the metering containers, and close the valvesagain when the containers are full. Each metering container has acapacity sufficient for filling a number of developing drums, in thepresent example two drums.

The reservoir tank 33 contains an electric heating element 36 controlledby a thermostat. The water inlet 37 to the reservoir tank is controlledby a float valve. Between processing operations rinsing water issupplied by the pump 32 for removing residual solution from thedeveloping drums. The venting connection 35 has the effect that as soonas the pump stops the column of water in the pipe 31, 34 is interruptedand the flow ceases. Alternatively if the reservoir tank 33 ispositioned high enough above the tank 5, the pump and the loop 34 can beomitted.

To operate the apparatus described, the photographic material is firstloaded into a drum in the tank and the drum is then closed and acontroller is set in operation. The lifting magnet 27 is then energizedby an automatically operated switch and lifts the conical plug 22 soadmitting the first solution to the developing drum. The solution runsdown from the metering container 16 through a flexible feed pipe 14 orinto the filling funnel 13 and so reaches the developing drum. The drumis then set in movement by a controller and at the end of the specifiedprocessing period the controller stops the drum and actuates the ram ll,tipping the tank 5 clockwise, so that the spent solution drains out ofthe developing drums. As soon as the solution has drained away themovement of the piston rod 10 is reversed, the tank 5 returning to itsposition of rest, supported by the buffer 12. The rinsing water pump 32is then started by the controller supplying the rinsing water throughthe pipe 31 to the inlet funnel 13, from where it reaches the developingdrum. As soon as the photographic material has been rinsed the piston 10is actuated again, to tip the tank 5 and also drain away the dirtyrinsing water.

As soon as the tank has returned to its position of rest, after therinsing operation, the next magnet is energized by the controller,allowing the next processing solution to run down into the developingdrum. This process is repeated until the photographic material hasreceived its last rinse. The only manual operations which the operatorhas to perform, apart from loading the drums and starting thecontroller, are the opening and closing of the valves on the inletconnections 18 to the metering containers 16. He has plenty of time toattend to this. lf desired these valves can be operated electrically.

I claim:

1. ln apparatus for processing photographic emulsion coated material,the apparatus including at least one tank, at least one drum in saidtank, mechanical means for rotating said drum within said tank andmetering containers for supplying processing solutions to said drum, theimprovement comprising a frame, means mounting said frame for swingingmovement, means mounting said tank on said frame, said drum being fullyclosable and being adapted to receive therein photographic emulsioncoated material, means defining a filling opening in said drum, an openinlet receptacle having a bottom discharge opening sealingly connectedto said filling opening in said drum, a plurality of flexible supplytubes connecting said metering containers through said open inletreceptacle with said filling opening, and drive means for swinging saidframe to tip said tank and empty solution from said drum.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising means mountingsaid metering containers above said tank.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said means swingablymounting said frame includes pivot means having a pivot axis, said tankhaving a horizontal center plane when said tank is untipped and saidpivot axis being situated above said horizontal center plane.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drive means includes afluid pressure ram, means pivotally connecting said ram to said frame, astationary support, and means pivotally connecting said rarn to saidstationary support and said apparatus further comprising buffer meansfor contacting said frame when said frame is in its untipped position.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an overflow pipemounted to each of said metering containers and said metering containersbeing made of transparent material.

6. In apparatus for processing photographic emulsion coated material,the apparatus including a tank, at least one drum in said tank,mechanical means for rotating said drum within said tank and meteringcontainers for supplying processing solutions to said drum, theimprovement comprising a frame, means mounting said frame for swingingmovement, means mounting said tank on said frame, drive means forswinging said frame to tip said tank and empty solution from said drum,means defining a filling opening in said drum, and a plurality offlexible supply tubes'communicating said metering containers with saidfilling opening, each of said metering containers including a bottom,said bottom including parts defining a sump, plug means arranged toclose the top of said sump, a sealing ring surrounding said plug andsaid supply tube communicating with said sump above the lowermost pointthereof.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a drain pipecommunicating with said lowermost point of said sump.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a lifting magnet,a cover on said container, means mounting said lifting magnet above saidcover and a pull rod connecting said plug to said lifting magnet wherebyoperation of said magnet lifts said plug to open said sump.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said frame includes twoinclined frame members, means fixing said frame members together at ajunction at the upper ends thereof, and wherein said means mounting saidframe for swinging movements includes a pivot bearing and means mountingsaid pivot bearing at said junction.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, including a plurality of said tankson said frame.

11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a water supplypipe and means communicating said water supply pipe with all saidmetering containers.

12. In apparatus for processing photographic emulsion coated material,the apparatus including a tank, at least one drum in said tank,mechanical means for rotating said drum within said tank and meteringcontainers for supplying processing solutions to said drum, theimprovement comprising a frame, means mounting said frame for swingingmovement, means mounting said tank on said frame, drive means forswinging said frame to tip said tank and empty solution from said drum,means defining a filling opening in said drum, and a plurality offlexible supply tubes communicating said metering containers with saidfilling opening, a water supply pipe and means communicating said watersupply pipe with all said metering containers, a reservoir tank forrinsing water, a heating element in said reservoir tank, a pumpincluding a suction and discharge, means communicating said suction withsaid reservoir tank and means communicating said discharge with saidwater supply pipe, said last named means including an inverted U-shapedloop, said loop extending to above a maximum water level in said tankand venting means venting the top of said loop.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said drive means forswinging said frame includes a fluid pressure operated ram and means foractuating said ram, magnet means for controlling the supply of liquidfrom said metering containers and a common control system, said commoncontrol system controlling said means for rotating said drums, saidpump, said fluid pressure operated ram and said magnet means.

1. In apparatus for processing photographic emulsion coated material,the apparatus including at least one tank, at least one drum in saidtank, mechanical means for rotating said drum within said tank andmetering containers for supplying processing solutions to said drum, theimprovement comprising a frame, means mounting said frame for swingingmovement, means mounting said tank on said frame, said drum being fullyclosable and being adapted to receive therein photographic emulsioncoated material, means defining a filling opening in said drum, an openinlet receptacle having a bottom discharge opening sealingly connectedto said filling opening in said drum, a plurality of flexible supplytubes connecting said metering containers through said open inlEtreceptacle with said filling opening, and drive means for swinging saidframe to tip said tank and empty solution from said drum.
 2. Apparatusas claimed in claim 1, further comprising means mounting said meteringcontainers above said tank.
 3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, whereinsaid means swingably mounting said frame includes pivot means having apivot axis, said tank having a horizontal center plane when said tank isuntipped and said pivot axis being situated above said horizontal centerplane.
 4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drive meansincludes a fluid pressure ram, means pivotally connecting said ram tosaid frame, a stationary support, and means pivotally connecting saidram to said stationary support and said apparatus further comprisingbuffer means for contacting said frame when said frame is in itsuntipped position.
 5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising an overflow pipe mounted to each of said metering containersand said metering containers being made of transparent material.
 6. Inapparatus for processing photographic emulsion coated material, theapparatus including a tank, at least one drum in said tank, mechanicalmeans for rotating said drum within said tank and metering containersfor supplying processing solutions to said drum, the improvementcomprising a frame, means mounting said frame for swinging movement,means mounting said tank on said frame, drive means for swinging saidframe to tip said tank and empty solution from said drum, means defininga filling opening in said drum, and a plurality of flexible supply tubescommunicating said metering containers with said filling opening, eachof said metering containers including a bottom, said bottom includingparts defining a sump, plug means arranged to close the top of saidsump, a sealing ring surrounding said plug and said supply tubecommunicating with said sump above the lowermost point thereof. 7.Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, further comprising a drain pipecommunicating with said lowermost point of said sump.
 8. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 6, further comprising a lifting magnet, a cover on saidcontainer, means mounting said lifting magnet above said cover and apull rod connecting said plug to said lifting magnet whereby operationof said magnet lifts said plug to open said sump.
 9. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 3, wherein said frame includes two inclined framemembers, means fixing said frame members together at a junction at theupper ends thereof, and wherein said means mounting said frame forswinging movements includes a pivot bearing and means mounting saidpivot bearing at said junction.
 10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9,including a plurality of said tanks on said frame.
 11. Apparatus asclaimed in claim 1, further comprising a water supply pipe and meanscommunicating said water supply pipe with all said metering containers.12. In apparatus for processing photographic emulsion coated material,the apparatus including a tank, at least one drum in said tank,mechanical means for rotating said drum within said tank and meteringcontainers for supplying processing solutions to said drum, theimprovement comprising a frame, means mounting said frame for swingingmovement, means mounting said tank on said frame, drive means forswinging said frame to tip said tank and empty solution from said drum,means defining a filling opening in said drum, and a plurality offlexible supply tubes communicating said metering containers with saidfilling opening, a water supply pipe and means communicating said watersupply pipe with all said metering containers, a reservoir tank forrinsing water, a heating element in said reservoir tank, a pumpincluding a suction and discharge, means communicating said suction withsaid reservoir tank and means communicating said discharge with saidwater supply pipe, said last named means including an inverted U-shapedloop, said loop extending to above a maximum water level in said tankand venting means venting the top of said loop.
 13. Apparatus as claimedin claim 12, wherein said drive means for swinging said frame includes afluid pressure operated ram and means for actuating said ram, magnetmeans for controlling the supply of liquid from said metering containersand a common control system, said common control system controlling saidmeans for rotating said drums, said pump, said fluid pressure operatedram and said magnet means.